4 Ways I Maximize My Savings and Earn More Rewards While Holiday Shopping

The holiday season is upon us, and for many people, there's limited time left to do their holiday shopping. Luckily, now is the perfect time to score fantastic deals as you plan to spoil your favorite people. 

If you're looking for tips that help you get the best deals and boost the rewards you earn while shopping, look no further. Here are some of my favorite ways to maximize savings and rewards-earning opportunities while I handle my holiday shopping. 

1. Pay for purchases using rewards credit cards 

I do a lot of shopping online, so I'm already using credit cards to pay for my purchases. But I make sure I use the right card at checkout. You can earn valuable rewards by paying for your shopping trips with a rewards credit card. If you want to earn cash rewards, you may want to add one of the best cash back credit cards to your wallet. If you're not yet using rewards credit cards, you're missing out on the chance to get rewarded for making purchases. 

2. Activate credit card offers to earn a statement credit

Some credit card issuers have programs that can help cardholders save money. Within your online account, you'll be presented with offers and deals from various retailers. Usually, the offers provide cardholders with a discount on eligible purchases. When you activate offers and complete purchases, you can earn a statement credit to your credit card account. 

Since a statement credit reduces your credit card bill, it will be like getting a discount on a recent purchase you've made. These programs provide yet another way to save money when you shop -- even if the discount isn't immediate. Don't forget to check the available offers for programs like Amex Offers and Chase Offers before you do your holiday shopping, so you don't miss out on the opportunity to get a bigger discount on the next gift you buy.  

3. Earn cash back rewards with cash back apps 

Another way I earn cash back rewards as I holiday shop is by using cash back apps. I have been using Rakuten for years, and this browser extension and app make it easy to earn cash back rewards. With apps like this, you can activate offers with participating retailers and earn cash back as you shop. For frequent online shoppers, earnings can add up fast. When my cash back hits my PayPal account, I transfer it to my high-yield savings account. 

4. Use coupon codes to score a bigger discount at checkout 

Here's another strategy that has helped me get a better discount as I shop online. Before checking out, I always take an extra minute or two to see if there are any current coupon or promo codes. Many top retailers have promo codes to help you save on your shopping bill. 

You can use one of the best coupon apps to find active codes faster. Every discount adds up, so it pays to take a couple of moments to see whether you can save more money by entering a coupon code during checkout. 

Be on the lookout for ways to save and earn more 

Whether you're still shopping for holiday gifts or plan to shop the best holiday sales to load up on must-have essentials for your home, make sure you're taking advantage of every opportunity to save money and earn rewards. It all adds up and makes a difference. 

You could keep more money in your bank account and boost your reward potential by taking a few extra steps before you complete the online checkout process. For additional ways to save money, check out our personal finance resources.